Although finding a team for safeties during this free agency was initially extremely difficult, the situation now seems to be improving. For this, among other things, are also the Dallas Cowboys responsible, as the team dealt with three different safeties at the weekend. These safeties were Jayron Kearse, Damontae Kazee and Malik Hooker. The team wanted to sign exactly two of these players. They also succeeded. An agreement was reached first with Kearse and a short time later with Kazee. Since they signed Keanu Neal, who previously played for the Atlanta Falcons, just a week earlier, it can now be definitely said that the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive backfield is extremely well positioned.
Minnesota Vikings verpflichten Ex-Cowboy Xavier Woods
Xavier Woods, who left the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent, also had relatively big problems finding a team. But the safety could now deal with the Minnesota Vikings agree on a one-year contract. The total volume of the contract is USD 2.25 million, with USD 1.75 million guaranteed. Woods wants to increase his value in the coming season so he can cash in during the upcoming free agency. Interestingly, he negotiated with the Vikings a week ago, with both sides disagreeing on the salary being offered. However, after the Vikings increased the offered salary, Woods signed the submitted contract.
In addition to Chidobe Awuzie, he is the second defensive back to leave the Dallas Cowboys in this free agency. Cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who also had to be renewed, agreed with the Cowboys on a contract extension. The contract extension has a total term of three years.
How has the Vikings’ defensive backfield changed so far?
Woods is now joining a secondary led by former Pro Bowl cornerback Patrick Peterson. Peterson was hired by the Minnesota Vikings during this free agency as well. Woods is now set to take the place of Anthony Harris, who left the Vikings during this offseason. Harris already joined the Philadelphia Eagles. Here, too, a one-year contract was signed. With Woods, the Vikings have already signed six defensive backs. In addition to him, the team also signed Patrick Peterson, Dalvin Tomlinson, Mackensie Alexander, Stephen Weatherly and Nick Vigil. These commitments were also necessary as the Minnesota Vikings allowed an average of 29.7 points per game in 2020. This is the third worst score in the entire NFL.
Xavier Woods – This is what his career has been like so far
Xavier Woods, who was signed by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2017 NFL Draft, already impressed in his rookie season and was therefore already on the grid in his second year. He never gave up this starting job until he left the Free Agency. Woods recorded a total of five interceptions, three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries during his three seasons. However, his performance declined under the defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and the new defensive backs coach Maurice Linguist, who was working as a defensive backs coach for the first time, which is why Woods publicly complained several times during his last season in Dallas.
Although Nolan and Linguist have now been fired, Woods could not agree on a contract extension, which is why he left the Dallas Cowboys during this Free Agency. Woods started in 15 games last season. What is even more remarkable, however, is that Woods was able to book 60 appearances in four NFL seasons. These statistics definitely suggest that he is in excellent physical condition.
Mike Zimmer and the Minnesota Vikings are also happy that Woods can be used as Free and Strong Safety. This versatility could definitely benefit the team in the near future.
